Busoga Diaspora Eyes Bigger Role in Uganda’s Development at LA Convention

The 2025 Twegaite Global Convention, held May 22–26 in Los Angeles, struck a new tone for Uganda’s diaspora politics—placing investment, infrastructure, and women’s empowerment at the centre of Busoga’s revival agenda.

While the colourful gathering celebrated heritage through dance and dialogue, key voices challenged the diaspora to move beyond nostalgia and mobilise resources to tackle the region’s chronic underdevelopment.

The event, hosted at the Los Angeles Airport Marriott, attracted Ugandans from across the United States, Canada, and Europe.

Organised by Twegaite Global Inc., the convention brought together professionals, cultural leaders, and government representatives to rethink the role of the diaspora in shaping Busoga’s future.

Joseph Nsekere Muvawala, Prime Minister of Busoga Kingdom, urged participants to look beyond symbolic gestures and focus on long-term investment.

“Culture is a powerful engine for job creation, export growth, and national branding,” he said.

“We must align our traditions with modern realities to elevate our country’s economy.”

He thanked the convention organisers for uniting Ugandans around a shared vision, noting that heritage alone cannot sustain progress.

“As we celebrate, we must also empower. This convention must be a launchpad for projects that transform lives in the region.”

Abbey Walusimbi, a senior presidential advisor on diaspora affairs, reiterated the state’s commitment to working with Ugandans abroad regardless of their political or social affiliations.

“Whether you're in New York, Dubai, or Johannesburg, your voice matters,” he said.

“We uphold a non-partisan stance and an open-door policy, addressing your needs—be it investment, safety, or opportunity. You're not just investors; you're vital partners in Uganda’s future.”

Walusimbi pointed to new bilateral agreements with international partners that aim to expand labour mobility for skilled Ugandans.

“We’re working with the Ministries of Gender and Foreign Affairs to open up more structured pathways for legal and safe employment abroad,” he added.

He also cited ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking, a growing concern in some diaspora labour markets.

Beyond government pledges, the convention placed women and youth empowerment at the centre of its development pitch. Joy Loy Lwabaai, Secretary of Women’s Affairs at Twegaite Global Inc., called for inclusive programmes that prioritise tourism, education, and economic self-sufficiency.

“We cannot unlock Busoga’s potential if women and youth remain sidelined. This is our moment to act collectively,” she said.

Charles Xavier, CEO of Wealth Garden Entertainment, announced plans to collaborate with diaspora-led start-ups and creatives to generate income streams that benefit both local and diaspora communities.

“We have the talent and networks—what we need now is structure and discipline in our approach,” he said.

Under the theme “Collaboration and Progress,” the five-day gathering featured panel discussions on education reform, digital infrastructure, health access, and investment strategies tailored to rural districts.

Former UNAA president and Wiltec Traffic Engineering Co. executive, Eng. Moses Wilson, joined George Kakaire, Strategic Support Systems Programme Director, to unveil a multi-phase initiative aimed at enhancing roads and education facilities in Bugiri District.

“This is not about aid—this is about strategy,” said Kakaire.

“We’re identifying viable, scalable solutions that can be tracked, measured, and owned by the people of Busoga.”

The convention ended with calls for a formal diaspora framework to coordinate remittances, policy advocacy, and project implementation.

Organisers say follow-up meetings will be held with district leaders in Uganda to assess readiness for diaspora-supported programmes.

As Uganda edges closer to the 2026 general elections, the role of the diaspora—especially in regions like Busoga that suffer from underinvestment and youth unemployment—is expected to come under sharper focus.

Twegaite Global Inc. says its next step is to develop a shared resource portal that will link experts abroad with local changemakers in real time.

“The energy is here. The talent is here. Now we need to institutionalise this partnership so that our impact is lasting,” said Dr Muvawala.